I’m Alundas Havens, your guide on this journey we call “The Winners Paradigm,” and today, I’m bringing you a conversation that’s going to hit home for a lot of you. I’m sitting down with the man who’s become a beacon of growth and transformation, Damian Vickers. You might know him as Pat the Dog on Instagram, but there’s so much more to his story than what meets the eye.
Reflecting on my past, I’m not shy about admitting how my old drinking habits led to some truly foolish choices. I’ve been there—living without strategy, without awareness of who I was allowing into my personal space. It’s been a rocky road to realizing just how out of line some of my actions were, and the steep price I paid as a result. It’s these experiences, however painful, that have taught me the critical importance of living true to my word and being there, really being there, for my family as a dedicated husband and father.
But this episode isn’t just about looking back; it’s about the now and the how of moving forward. Damian Vickers, a man whose voice you’ll soon know as well as I do, brings to the table his own potent observations on life. Being a father was his ultimate goal, and achieving that dream has shaped him in ways beyond what he could’ve imagined. He’s candid about the rejections he’s faced, the insecurities he’s conquered, and the sheer determination needed to be the kind of dad he never got to have himself.
In our chat, the concept of mentorship becomes a golden thread. Having a mentor like Brad has been a game-changer for Damian—someone who’s helped streamline the chaos of everyday commitments with straightforward diet and workout advice, and more importantly, real coaching on life’s larger canvas.
Together, Damian and I peel back the layers on the societal norms that box us in, the raw truths about sobriety, and the relentless pursuit of a life lived on our own unconditional terms. We don’t just talk about changing the game; we share the personal costs, the pain, and the unfiltered reality of what it means to step into the ring of self-improvement.
Tune in, because this isn’t just another episode of our podcast; it’s a mirror into the parts of ourselves that are yearning for change, strength, and the true essence of being a winner. Welcome to “The Winners Paradigm.”
00:00 I prefer honesty over fake friendliness.
04:27 Struggle with feeling and self-discipline, personal development.
09:26 Valuing mentorship and striving for higher standards.
11:15 Briefly resonated with solitude, empowered by challenges.
14:24 Authenticity resonates, it’s the best connection.
19:37 Video humor leads to serious life reflection.
20:41 Striving for personal growth brings positive outcomes.
24:04 Faith in change leads to significant results.
29:04 Becoming a dad is all I wanted.
32:29 Facing adversity in life, grew up in a tough environment.
33:13 Dislike for gangs and need to protect.
38:03 Rejecting fear and limitations to pursue freedom.
39:57 My personality intimidates a lot of people.
Overcoming Addiction: “Like, my mindset was so fucking insane that it wasn’t I was just like, I’m hurting so bad. Like, the pain the pain that I’m experiencing right now is so bad that I’m either gonna have to kill myself, literally. Like, I’m gonna have to end this, or I’m gonna have to figure out how to get better.”
— Damian Vickers [00:03:45 → 00:04:01]
Connect With Damian
https://www.instagram.com/pathofdog/
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